Page 74 of The Intimacy of Control

“I know.” I leaned in to give him a side hug, patting his back. “You should’ve texted me if you wanted proof of life.”

Callum was scowling, but Tobi laughed. “He won’t even text me, his boyfriend. Why do you think he’d text you?”

“‘Cause I’m his best friend. Or so I thought.” I rolled my eyes dramatically.

Cal scoffed. “You’re such a little shit. You know that?”

“Aw, I love you too. Is this you valuing our friendship?”

“No. This is me hating you. I hate you now.”

“Rude.”

“Okay, that’s enough.” Tobi placed a hand on my shoulder. “This is a nice place.”

I started leading them to Forrest, who stood up from the couch. Callum extended his hand to shake. “Nice to officially meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from River, now that I know you’re his brother.”

Forrest’s eyes widened as he hissed through his teeth. “Oh, God. I can only imagine what he’s said. He’s kind of an asshole.”

“That’s not the vibe I’ve gotten from him. He speaks really highly of you.”

“Wow. I’m surprised.”

Cal and Tobi took seats on the beanbag chairs sitting directly in front of the couch. I curled back up into Forrest’s side, leaning my head on him. I looked up and over them, taking in the aisles of bookshelves. “So, what do you guys think of the store?”

They both made cursory glances, Tobi looking around with more interest than Callum. He’d never been much of a reader, from what I knew about him. “It’s really nice here. I like what it stands for. Have you owned it long?”

“A little while, yeah. I like it. After working meaningless jobs that destroyed my body and mental health, it’s been nice to be my own boss. Though I have other people I have to manage, which is kind of weird.”

“Did you always want to own your own business?”

“Hm.” Forrest tilted his head. “Not really. Mamá started up a food truck a few years before I opened this place, which gave me the initial idea. She was really supportive about everything and helped me with the admin aspect and how to get started. Best decision I ever made.”

“That’s really awesome. I definitely understand the managing other people part. Tobi and I were both managers when Crew and Price opened up Fire and Ice.” He gestured to Tobi and himself. “I prefer it, but Tobes definitely doesn’t.”

Callum had never had the passion Tobi, Price, and Crew had. He said he was miserable as a cook, which made him the odd one out.

Tobi shook his head, scrunching his nose. “No. I want to cook, not be all up in people’s business. I’ll leave that to y’all. I can’t imagine ownin’ the whole thing and being responsible like that.”

“It’s definitely not sunshine and rainbows.” I chimed in. “I’ve had a few nightmare employees, as if owning a bar wasn’t hard enough on its own.” I shuddered at the memory of the three I’d had to fire over the years. One had stolen from me, another showed up high on cocaine, and the last one wouldn’t show up for her shifts. “I’m very grateful to have Mav and Melissa, just like I’m sure Price and Crew are glad to have all of you guys.”

“It’s bigger than we ever thought it would be. I mean, I know I was gone for a decade, but.” Tobi looked down at the floor, shrugging. “I remember when it was still only an idea. And then we made it happen together.”

I understood that feeling. Driftwood had been nothing more than an errant idea I’d had one day. Something small and, at the time, seemingly unattainable. The reality hadn’t hit me until probably six months in that I’d officially accomplished my dream. My dream—not my parents'. Not my coach’s. Nobody’s but my own.

Cal squeezed Tobi’s knee. “It sure did, baby. Now we’ve got the new place opening up, and even more people joining us.”

“Can I just say that I can’t believe I’ve gotten to meet all of you?” Forrest laughed. “I was starstruck the first time I met Crew and Willow. You guys are, like, famous.”

“He totally freaked out. It was funny.” I nudged him gently, remembering his stuttering nervousness in the beginning.

“Crew and Price are the famous ones.” Cal waved his hand dismissively. “We’re one part of the whole. I’m glad we made it this far, though. I’m pretty proud, honestly.”

There were nods of agreement at first, but a quiet settled between us. Not necessarily an uncomfortable one—just quiet. It was weird, honestly. My two best friends and my new boyfriend are all in the same room, trying to get to know each other.

My two worlds were suddenly colliding, and one of them was a world I hadn’t known was ever going to exist but was really fucking grateful for.

“So,” Cal broke the silence. “You’re the one-night stand that left a hickey on Jack’s neck, and now you’re the love of his life. Quite the pipeline.”